Covington’s Italian dining scene has, let’s say, layers. There are the Northshore families celebrating Sunday suppers over heaping plates of pasta at cozy trattorias. Then there’s the foodie crowd debating whether the truffle gnocchi or the osso buco merits a pilgrimage. Not to forget the regulars who consider a particular tiramisu the only dessert they’d willingly break their diet for. Whether you crave authentic Nonna-style cooking or modern Tuscan flair, these are the spots to savor…
Impastato Cellars
$$ | (985) 845-4445 | WEBSITE
One of the Covington gems that food enthusiasts—locals, visitors, and anyone craving authentic Italian—have been flocking to is Impastato Cellars in the heart of town. The Italian dining spot was already inviting, and now it’s whatever the chef’s tasting menu and amazing staff do to a place when they serve generous portions and create memorable experiences.
Go for the crabmeat stuffed artichoke bottom and the chance to savor Louisiana’s finest seafood in its natural setting—a warm room that’s not trying too hard, but is still succeeding at being very delicious.
Benedict’s Catering
$$ | (985) 626-4557 | WEBSITE
Does anyone ever have a regular event anymore, or do they in fact spend their lives at, or around, Benedict’s Catering—discuss. We once attended a bridal high tea here, thinking we might not see another wedding party this time, only for one to arrive in the old English gardens as we were mid-tiramisu, like clockwork. We can’t blame them, the call of this lovely location’s wrapped chicken and stuffed catfish is strong.
Still, you’d have to be a really big fan of elegant table settings to want this amount of fine linen in your life.
DiMartino’s Muffulettas
$ | (985) 276-6460 | WEBSITE
There’s only one thing better than a muffuletta bread basket and that’s a muffuletta bread basket holding DiMartino’s fried mushrooms. This Covington Italian spot is a different kind of neighborhood haunt—head server Tony is from something of a local culinary dynasty, after all. This isn’t tourist stuff. You won’t spot food critics here face down in lasagna. No, this is for your regulars, your family celebrations. Just make sure you get the roast beef on muffuletta bread.
Bosco’s Italian Cafe
$$ | (985) 624-5066 | WEBSITE
We have a feeling Covington locals keep this place a secret on purpose, hiding it away like a treasure map to the best pizza in town. But the secret’s out, those locals have probably moved on to another hidden spot, and Bosco’s is still the same cozy, authentic Italian cafe with a loosely Louisiana-influenced menu that you’re not there for. Because if you come here it should be to soak in that 80s vibe with old pictures on the walls and look out for regulars who know to order the muffuletta.
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
$ | (985) 809-1615 | WEBSITE
We’re one ‘Tour of Italy’ sighting away from writing an open letter to the food critics and suggesting they cut out the middle man, ditch the fancy bistros, and host their next tasting in this quiet Italian spot. Preferably the whole event would be sponsored by unlimited breadsticks.
As well as the meatballs and spaghetti, the all-you-can-eat soup and salad, and those ample vegetarian options, this flawless value machine in Covington has also attracted families, couples on dates, and our beloved regulars who appreciate the calm atmosphere. Forget prix fixe menus, it’s all about splitting the plates now.
Italian Pie
$ | (985) 626-5252 | WEBSITE
Drawing in families craving a cozy night out, and pizza lovers seeking that perfect crispy crust, Italian Pie is the only spot in Covington where you can devour a loaded pie while surrounded by kids’ laughter and feel completely at ease. It’s no surprise that this permanent comfort-food haven in town is a favorite with everyone.
Be it locals grabbing a quick Caesar salad, tourists discovering the legendary lasagna, or regulars chatting with the kind staff about their latest generous-topping creation.
Fat Boy’s Pizza
$ | (985) 348-2182 | WEBSITE
I wander the French Quarter of Covington. Sometimes I want a quiet meal. Sometimes I want a quick slice. Other times, I just want another bustling pizza joint for huge portions and friendly chatter. Fat Boy’s is a New York City-style spot, so it’s no surprise that I like to pull up here for some buffalo wings and a meat pizza. I’m not the only one. The manager works hard to ensure everyone’s a fan too.
Nuvolari’s
$$ | (985) 626-5619 | WEBSITE
Nuvolari’s in Covington is where food lovers go when they want to indulge in creative Italian cuisine and/or don’t know what’s exceptional these days. Regulars will appreciate the dependable pasta dishes and fancy take on Chicken Parm, but we find the atmosphere itself to be a bit loud. Unless of course you consider savoring beautifully presented Pork Chop across the bustling dining room exciting. In which case… you might just love it here.
Fazzio’s Restaurant
$$ | (985) 624-9704 | WEBSITE
We’re living in a post-pasta world and like a culinary phoenix rising from a garlic-and-olive-oil-infused kitchen, Fazzio’s is a cozy, welcoming take on an Italian trattoria. This is where Covington’s leading comfort food seekers—couples on date night, families with kids, and our patron saints of hearty appetites—go to sip blueberry lemon drop martinis and savor exceptional dishes like Gumbo and Calamari.
It’s only a matter of time before their warm atmosphere replaces any dining doubts with contentment, and causes delightful parking lot fills. Catch us at a table near the window.
Del Porto Ristorante
$$ | (985) 875-1006 | WEBSITE
No cuisine celebrates special occasions quite like Italian. In Covington, Del Porto Ristorante makes “rehearsal dinners or casual meals” memorable, but the appreciation runs deeper than just events. “The manager Gina and server Maddie are noted for providing outstanding service” according to regulars. While some guests mention “slower service, including a delay in receiving their main course,” that feels like an isolated hiccup.
We get it—patience pays off when the “bread, white bean dip, pastas, steak, and chops are all praised as amazing.” The attentive waitstaff and wonderful ambiance justify the upscale price point, with entrees hovering around $30–$45. Warm lighting and rustic-chic décor frame a top-notch environment where every detail, from the dip to the chops, feels curated. It’s one of those spots where you leave planning your next visit before you’ve even paid the bill.
DiCristina’s Italian and Seafood Restaurant
$$ | (985) 875-0160 | WEBSITE
DiCristina’s is built for families, the hungry, and those who wish for nothing more than to be both. Covington’s casual Italian and seafood spot is a cozy, dated dining room where you’re just as likely to see a multi-generational family as you are a group of friends sharing platters. Frankly, that’s our kind of dinner party. With generously priced $22 pastas and a menu written with comfort and satisfaction in mind, little about DiCristina’s is fancy, and the same goes for its hearty portions.
Mandina’s Restaurant
$$ | (985) 674-9883 | WEBSITE
One of the great reliable dining spots in Covington is Mandina’s Restaurant. The interior is clean and well-laid-out, with comfortable seating and ample parking in its strip mall location. But where would locals go for consistently good food and great service year after year? Mandina’s, of course.
Regulars enjoy the popular mini seafood platter, which is filling and flavorful, and the chicken parmesan that customers have called ‘great.’ The bartenders craft delicious cocktails like the vodka martini with blue cheese stuffed olives, while servers like Emma handle parties with ease. For a reasonable price, you can enjoy a great lunch with a cocktail from their lunch menu.
The only suggestion might be about the gumbo having more shrimp, but that’s a minor note in an otherwise reliable and enjoyable dining experience.
Papillon’s
$$ | (985) 624-2597 | WEBSITE
Picture a date night. You’re not certain about the spot. It’s a carefully curated affair. Not a Michelin-starred temple, no celebrity chefs or velvet ropes here. But there’s a charming outdoor patio and some excellent meatball appetizers. The playlist is playing Frank Sinatra while the manager checks in holding a plate of Redfish Amandine. The ambiance is romantic but you can see an anniversary celebration at a corner table.
Somewhere, just within view, a server tells a couple celebrating that they “have wonderful taste.” It hits you. You’re in Covington. You’re at Papillon’s.
New Orleans Style Seafood Restaurant & Market
$ | (985) 888-1770 | WEBSITE
If you haven’t been to New Orleans Style Seafood Restaurant & Market by now darling (we’re drawling here, by the way), then where the heck have you been? This Covington gem feels like it’s been the spot to slurp gumbo and savor swamp pasta in a cozy booth for a few years now. Everyone from Lindsey the server, to the friendly owner, to regular locals has graced its charmingly rustic walls. And even if you don’t see anybody famous, this place makes you feel like you are.